large-scale X-15A-2

Thanks, Neb.

I'll have to schedule a trip to the area Hobby Lobby soon. I need some tube glue anyway. Since I've never seen piano wire, I assume it comes in something other than in straight lengths, a roll perhaps? If so, is it straightened by hand or by tool?  It will be some time before I'm ready to use it anyway, but I appreciate your helpful input.

I have a question about the X-15 that is referred to in the early part of this thread....the one I believe you refer to having  knowledge of that has appeared in some magazines. On his tail stabilizers, he imparted heat and ablation effects to the leading edge in an unusual pattern. In hyper-velocity flight, could such angled markngs be expected from such straight-on flight? I can't see the air rushing over the surface and creating the angled appearance of the ablation markings. I have a DVD of the X-15: The Edge of Space from Spacecraft Films, but the particular flight he modeled this after (2-44-79; 18 May, 1966) is not part of this collection of flights, so I can't look at any photos to check.

You can pick up the piano wire from any hobby shop that carries R/C supplies----I'm pretty sure it was .025 diameter.(I think) Most importantly it has to be rocket straight---you'll be using it for the drop tank lines. The wire Special Hobby supplies is garbage in this particular application. Use it for another project someday....

And you are right about the control aspect of modelling...

Gosh, how I wish I knew all the little tricks and improvisation techniques. I'm picking up stuff from time-to-time, but I'm a slow learner.....usually making mistakes that require fixing and finding better ways to do things AFTER I've screwed it up. I guess I learn more thoroughly this way, but its frustrating at the same time. In the end, though, controlling frustrations are a big part of the "therapy" of modelling, right?

This is great for making the dolly sturdier. I'll have to try and find some piano wire somewhere. I suppose we're talking very fine wire size, correct? I have some picture-hanging wire but I'll have to check the diameter against what's needed for these bolts. I may start the cockpit soon and just start really slow with this X-15. I hope I can ask questions of everyone while I go and get the best advice for working with plastic, resin, and photo-etched parts.

Be ready to improvise----especially on the dolly. For example-----they supply resin bolts and nuts to connect the upper/lower control arms, shocks, wheel hub plates, etc. While cast very well, forget it----remember that in the end this dolly will be supporting the back of the model, and it needs to be more sturdy. Not to mention the fit is average at best.

Instead, use piano wire cut to length----obviously sturdier, but will make assembly a LOT easier. Afterwards, I cut the nut end off the bolts and superglued them over the ends of the wire for effect.  :)

...and great idea with the magnets BTW!

Man, since last checking my post here its phenomenal how much stuff has been contributed,and I just received my 1/32 scale kit this week. This is the first model I've built that is totally "new" since starting back in the hobby a little over a year ago. First order from the folks at Squadron as well....THANKS guys!

All the models I've started with are from Ebay, mostly original tooling and poor-fitting pieces, but they bring back memories, and I'm inspired to do so much more than I did when I first built these as a kid growing up in the "space-age". I love this forum so much for having honest answers, great feedback and helpful members.

I've never worked with etched metal before. The pieces look SOOO delicate and exquisitely detailed!!!!! Is there anyone [one and all suggestions, really] who can give me pointers on working with the etched parts? I know this will look like crap compared to Neb's work here. VERY sharp indeed. On the externals, I was considering button magnets to allow me to attach/remove them at will, and insure a great hold when they ARE attached. Such great work you did on these and the dolly as you describe is....hell its scary looking actually, and I WILL be totally in control of my breathing in so many areas when I do start this kit.

I'll be taking all the suggestions I can find from now until maybe late spring or even summer before I've had much of it started, so please, everyone who has done this build or even the 1/72 build, I'd appreciate your input on paint, construction, scratchbuilt bits and pieces, ANYTHING!

Thanks everyone

Thanks Phil---high praise indeed. I've followed your work on Frienship 7 on SSM and it's just jaw dropping.

As far as I'm concerned, it's the standard on how all Mercs should be built!

Superb work - thank you for posting detailed photos for those of us interested in building this kit.

A couple of the drop tanks----minimal (if any) weathering. Tanks were jettisoned after each flight, and new or re-habbed tanks were installed with a fresh coat of paint---different markings virtually every time. :)

Here are a couple pics of the dolly:

No finished pics---I finished off the hydraulic hoses in tire black, and gave it an oil wash.  :)

I'll have to post some build pics....

Honestly, the most fun I had with this kit was the ground dolly----very intricate and very delicate, but also very satisfying when done.

Just remember to breathe very relaxed and slow while building the dolly. It's like Neuro surgery!

Ordered the kit in October of 2008 and am getting ready to start on it after the New Year. Everything looks real good as far as the parts go and the instructions are pretty straight forward. We'll see how the assembly goes. It looks like it may be a real winner when finished.

That's a build up by Fanch Lubin and has been in a few magazines too. Beautiful build.

I've completed a build up of the A2 with the drop tanks and ground dolly. You can see it here:

http://www.resinilluminati.com/showthread.php?t=6706

I still have to post final build pics, and will when I have time.

It was great fun to build, but not for the faint of heart. Being a limited edition kit, there are no locator pins for the cockpit interior (for example), and the only way to get everything lined up is to test fit, test fit, and test fit some more before any glue is applied. Nose gear is too short, and the resin sponsons for the drop tanks are a bit finnicky. I spent a week on mine getting it right, and noticed at the '09 Nats this year that a couple other examples had noticeable "gaps" between the sponsons and fueselage.

I guess what I'm saying, is that this kit is not to be built, but conquered...if it wasn't my favorite aircraft I would have failed miserably.

mallagoodee wrote:

I've seen 'em built up and they look fantastic! Here's a link to an online build of one I saw a few months ago. He's detailed it and applied a paint finish that is second to none. http://forum.largescaleplanes.com/index.php?showtopic=17431 Hope this helps. Pete

Great googly moogly, that's awesome! It looks... toasted!